29 November 2008

Learning from Plants

Researchers at Massachusetts Institute of Technology have discovered a new way of storing energy from sunlight that could lead to ‘unlimited’ solar power.

The process, loosely based on plant photosynthesis, uses solar energy to split water into hydrogen and oxygen gases. When needed, the gases can then be re-combined in a fuel cell, creating carbon-free electricity whether the sun is shining or not.

The bad news? "Ten years to market" -- that sounds awfully familiar...

Bottom Line: Technology can help us with supply issues (and sometimes demand issues -- if demand doesn't go elsewhere), but institutions (prices, rules, habits) also play a role.